The vision to extend the popular St. James Promenade is nearing realization thanks to a generous donation from an anonymous family in Cape Town. This donation allows for the funding of the first phase of the project.
In 2025, the family approached Mayor Geordie Hill-Louis with a proposal to fund the first phase of the expansion, which should run from Muizenberg to the Klawley corner.
Although the funding for the first phase is secured, city officials note that it is too early to determine exactly which section will be built first or when construction will begin.
Eddie Andrews, a member of the City Council for Spatial Planning and Environment, told the False Bay Echo that the final section to be funded has not yet been determined. He clarified that the family donor will decide on the funding of the phase after the environmental impact assessment and public consultations are completed.
Andrews also stressed the impossibility of naming construction timelines at this stage, as the EIA and public participation processes still need to take place. The city has already hired a team of professional coastal engineers to develop a high-level conceptual design and preliminary cost estimates for the phased expansion of the promenade.
Due to the route's proximity to the railway line, the city has begun discussions with the South African Passenger Rail Agency (PRASA). Initial contacts with PRASA were positive, contingent upon the approval of a detailed design and compliance with railway safety requirements.
The proposed expansion is divided into four parts: Section 1a (from Danger Beach to Dielbrook Basin), Section 1b (from Dielbrook Basin to Kalk Bay Tidal Pool), Section 2a (from Kalk Bay Tidal Pool to Kalk Bay Point Tidal Pool), and Section 3 (from Woolly Basin to Klawley Beach).
Andrews also noted that the city cannot disclose the donation amount but confirmed that the anonymous family will fully fund the first phase, and the specific section will be chosen through EIA and public hearings.
Geordie Hill-Louis stated that the expansion will improve public access to one of Cape Town's most popular coastal routes. He emphasized that the St. James Promenade is a beloved public space for residents and visitors year-round. Extending beyond St. James will increase access to this scenic part of the coast.
Hill-Louis expressed gratitude to the family for their generosity, noting that it provides an opportunity to shape the long-term vision of this pedestrian route, and the city will collaborate closely with all stakeholders as the project progresses. The city's long-term goal is to extend the promenade from the Surfers Corner in Muizenberg, through St. James, to the Klawley corner.
The city of Cape Town has allocated nearly 100 million rand in the current financial year to strengthen assistance programs and expand living spaces for people experiencing homelessness within the metropolitan area.
The funding package for 2026/27 includes 87 million rand designated for homelessness intervention and services, as well as over 10 million rand for housing infrastructure projects. These funds are part of a broader three-year investment program valued at 62 million rand.
The majority of these funds will be directed towards supporting four 'Safe Spaces,' aftercare interventions, the annual Winter Readiness Program, and assisting non-governmental organization (NGO) shelters, opportunities under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and outreach services provided by the Street People Programme Unit.
The city stated that its strategy for addressing homelessness focuses on providing shelter, medical care, social services, and creating pathways for long-term reintegration. The city emphasized that every interaction conducted by the Street People Programme Unit offers an opportunity to build trust, assess an individual's needs, and connect them with available help.
The administration noted that since many individuals require multiple contacts before agreeing to assistance, continuous community outreach is a critical element of the City's response to homelessness.
Recent data demonstrates the scale of the problem in Cape Town. Over the past year, the Street People Programme Unit screened 10,127 people living on the streets and conducted 22,843 follow-up visits. As a result of these measures, 2,115 people were able to receive shelter placement or other forms of support, and 163 people were reunited with their families.
To increase accommodation options, the City has allocated 10.125 million rand in the current financial year for five projects to be completed over the next three years. These include the construction of a new Safe Space in Kuils River, the refurbishment of the Paint City Safe Space in Bellville, the expansion of homeless facilities in Wynberg and District Six, and the modernization of the Oasis shelter.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Social Services and Health, Councillor Francine Hayam, stated that this investment reflects the City's commitment to a comprehensive and human-centered approach to solving homelessness. She stressed that combating homelessness is one of the city's most complex social issues and requires more than just emergency shelter.
Hayam added that these investments strengthen the City's client-focused approach by expanding housing, supporting outreach teams, and collaborating with NGO partners to connect vulnerable residents with shelter, healthcare, social services, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. She believes that every person who accepts help represents progress in the City's efforts to reduce homelessness.
The City also announced that it will continue to collaborate with shelters and social development partners to provide services ranging from identity document assistance and social grants to substance abuse treatment, family reunification, skills training, and employment support.
Thanks to a six-week fundraising campaign organized by a local resident, the sand of Scottburgh's main beach, located on the southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa, is no longer an obstacle for people using wheelchairs. The campaign aimed to purchase a specialized all-terrain beach wheelchair.
Sue Martin, an advocate for adaptive sports and a resident of the neighboring estate of Renishaw Hills, raised the amount of R60,000 to buy this wheelchair. It is now available free of charge at 'Surfers Paradise' for anyone living with a disability.
Martin emphasized that her initiative goes beyond simply purchasing equipment. She stated: 'It is about giving people the freedom to enjoy the ocean with their families, creating a more inclusive community, and showing that disability should never prevent a person from enjoying our beautiful coastline.'
To launch the crowdfunding campaign, Martin collaborated with the South African Quadriplegic Association, using the BackaBuddy platform. Funds were received from family, friends, other residents, Renishaw Property Developments, and a local council member from the Democratic Alliance, Dan Daniels.
To use the wheelchair during operating hours, visitors must leave a valuable item, such as a driver's license, car keys, or mobile phone, at 'Surfers Paradise' to ensure its safe return.
Martin hopes that this wheelchair will be the first step towards a fully accessible beach. Her future plans include installing beach access mats, additional parking for people with disabilities, creating accessible facilities, and conducting regular adaptive surfing sessions. Martin, a former endurance athlete who completed the Comrades Marathon and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, was paralyzed in a mountain bike accident in 2015.
Since then, she has been involved in adaptive sports and recently placed second in her division at the 2026 South African Para-surfing Championships.
Barto van der Merwe, CEO of Renishaw Property Developments, which helped fund the campaign, noted that the project benefits the entire region. He stated: 'This initiative is good news for local families and visitors, opening up one of the most popular beaches on the KZN south coast to more people.'
Martin's feat in outdoor accessibility reflects a broader commitment to the ocean among the area's elderly residents. Scottburgh is already known for community groups like Granny Grommets, a club for older women who meet on Thursdays to surf and bodyboard with the support of local lifeguards. By securing a specialized wheelchair, Martin hopes that 'the water will remain open to everyone, regardless of physical limitations.'
